David Beckham will receive a knighthood in next week’s King’s Birthday Honours list, finally achieving an honour he has sought for years.
The 50-year-old football icon will become Sir David Beckham, whilst his wife Victoria will be entitled to use the title Lady Beckham.
The former England and Manchester United star, who earned 115 caps for his country, will see his long-standing ambition fulfilled.
The honour recognises both Beckham’s sporting achievements and his extensive charitable contributions.
Politicians and fellow sports figures have campaigned for years for the man nicknamed “Golden Balls” to receive a knighthood.
Beckham previously received an OBE in 2003 for services to football, presented by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
His wife Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents attended the ceremony.
The father of four has made significant charitable contributions throughout his career, adding to calls for further recognition.
His wait for the higher honour has stretched over two decades since that initial recognition, with many arguing his contributions to sport and charity warranted elevation to a knighthood.
Beckham has developed a close friendship with King Charles, sharing a mutual passion for horticulture.
The monarch may have hinted at the impending honour during their meeting at the Chelsea Flower Show last month.
When the countryside-loving former footballer, who serves as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, greeted Charles and Queen Camilla, he wore the King’s rose in his lapel.
Charles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?”
Beckham replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”
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Honours letters are typically sent weeks in advance, suggesting Beckham may have already received notification at the time of their exchange.
Beckham was formally appointed as a charity ambassador by the King last year, expressing enthusiasm about his new role.
Charles invited him to Highgrove to learn more about the charity, which focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony”.
Beckham said at the time: “I’m excited to be working with The King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.”
He added: “I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.”
